2002 Source Questions
Explain the different views towards Scottish Independence expressed inSources A andB
Source A is an extract from the infamous ‘Treaty of Birgham’, signed on the 18th July 1290. Prior to the signing of the treaty it can be stated in confidence that the Scots were on amicable terms with the English. The reign of Alexander III had sought unity and prosperity between the two kingdoms and although his untimely death in 1286 had done little to help matters, there was no full scale catastrophe as yet. This would change with the death of the maid of Norway. With Alexander III and his only surviving heir to the throne dead, a succession crisis gave rise to civil war within Scotland. The guardians had little recourse, but to turn to Edward I in the hope that his influence and authority could prevent the mayhem spreading in Scotland. The ‘Treaty of Birgham’ is essentially a Scottish declaration of Independence stating that: “the kingdom of Scotland shall remain separate and divided from the kingdom of England”. (PRO documents). Source A speaks of preserving the liberties, customs and laws of Scotland also. These were the terms that Edward had to abide by. The Scots had no reason to suspect any foul play at this point. Source A makes it unmistakably clear in its view towards Scottish Independence – that it should be preserved. The source does not touch on many of the other underlying issues of the time however.
Source B is an extract from ‘Edward I’ by leading English historian: Michael Prestwick. This contemporary source from 1997 sheds light on the other factors relating to attitudes concerning Scottish Independence at the time. The source speaks of Edward, that he: “showed no respect for Scottish traditions”. With the benefit of hindsight it is easy to see why such a statement might be made. In 1293 after all, Edward would revoke the ‘Treaty of Birgham’ much to the annoyance of the Scottish people who would direct their aggression at newly crowned John Balliol. With evidence like this, we can begin to establish that perhaps Edward I had an agenda for Scotland and saw the situation as an opportunity for “incorporating union under the English crown”.(Ranald Nicholson) Source B gives further damning evidence regarding how Edward viewed Scottish Independence. The source talks about the seizure of the Isle of Man. This took place on the 4th June 1290 and perhaps acted as a precursor for the writing of the ‘Treaty of Birgham’. Edward I’s seizure of the Isle of Man gives a hollow ring to the idea of him coming in peace in aid Scotland. We must remember that the Treaty of Salisbury, (6th November 1289) is not mentioned in source A or B. This conceded that Edward had the right to interfere in Scottish business if the kingdom was not being governed peacefully. Bearing this in mind, when we discuss the ‘Treaty of Birgham’ Michael Prestwick’s words fit nicely: “the English would not need any other justification for intervention in Scottish affairs” Source B also talks of Anthony Bek and how he was sent by Edward to work in conjunction with the Scottish guardians and that they were to be ‘obedient to him’. Anthony Bek was bishop of Durham and went about demanding custody of all the Scottish castles – a clear show of English interference in Scotland and a definite move towards further English control. We must remember that Anthony Bek took his orders directly from Edward I: “Whatever you do on our behalf is and shall be granted and confirmed in advance”. (PRO documents) With that kind of guarantee from Edward himself, is it any wonder that the Scots were slowly succumbing to English dominance. When you take into account these actions it is obvious that Scottish Independence was in jeopardy at this point. Edward becoming ‘overlord’ was a very real possibility in the near future and A.A.M Duncan is correct in claiming: “Scots were not so different from Englishmen that allegiance to one king was unimaginable”.
In conclusion Source A resembles “a cautious, protective document” (GWS Barrow) which, when you look at what had went before, the Scots had every justification for writing. Source A presents Edward with a patriotic and didactic portrayal of Scottish Independence which clearly had little or no effect on changing Edward’s mind when it came to his intentions in Scotland. Michael Prestwick’s account talks far more about the other issues which link into the effort to maintain Scottish Independence at this precarious period and although written from an English perspective is far more realistic in its assessment of the Scots situation at the time.
How accurate is the assessment in Source C of the situation facing Robert I in 1307?
Source C is written by a Scot loyal to the English side concerning the fortunes of Robert I. It was written shortly after Robert I’s victory at Loudoun Hill in May 1307. The source talks about how the victory at Loudoun Hill had won Bruce the recognition and respect of his supporters and that he was increasing in strength as time went by. The source also acknowledges that Edward I, by this point did not have long to live and hints that his death would give Bruce the impetus to continue and bring about further success. Source C is accurate in many of its claims. We must remember that in February of the previous year Bruce had slain the last obstacle in his path to power; John Comyn and that many Comyn supporters, although they had got some revenge at Dalry, were still baying for Bruce blood. The sacrilegious murder of Comyn would not be forgotten and was certainly still fresh in many minds throughout 1307. The murder of Comyn had brought great personal loss to Bruce also; he could be described as a man who had nothing else to lose, especially when you consider that his wife and children had been taken prisoner and three of his brothers had been executed for supporting him. It was upon his return to Carrick in February 1307 that his brothers Nigel and Thomas were captured and killed and that Bruce met with a superior English force and was routed. This was a bold move for Bruce as opposition to him, both in England and Scotland was rampant at this time.
However despite considerable setbacks, 1307 was to mark a turning point in Bruce’s fortunes. In April of 1307, at ‘Glen Trool’ Bruce won a surprise victory over an English garrison. This coupled with the victory at ‘Loudoun Hill’ alluded to in Source C won Bruce some recognition and support for sure amongst neutral Scots and even Scots who had previously been opposed to him. GWS Barrow makes a good point that Bruce’s tactics were unusual for someone from a somewhat prestigious background. Perhaps this is testament to his determination to succeed and not relinquish the usurped crown. Michael Penman talks about ‘luck’ as being a contributory factor to Bruce’s success and to a certain extent this is true. After all in June 1307, the death of Edward I removed an “implacable foe”. Source C speaks of the importance that Edward I’s death would have, perhaps acknowledging the domestic challenges that awaited Edward II. Source C also talks about the possibility of Edward sending more troops but fails to state that after the murder of Comyn months had been wasted by Scots opposed to Bruce, in waiting for troops to arrive which effectively handed Bruce the initiative. Source C states that Bruce has “destroyed King Edward’s power both among the English and Scots” – this is perhaps a panicky exaggeration on the part of the writer as Bruce still had much work to do after the victory at Loudoun Hill. The imminent death of Edward I however, discussed in the source would help reinforce such a claim.
To conclude; Source C captures the spirit of optimism that was felt amongst Bruce supporters toward the mid and end of 1307 and the sense of alarm that flowed through Bruce opposition. Bruce and his guerrilla warfare certainly enjoyed some success during 1307, enough to worry his many opponents. The death of Edward I was an incredible piece of good fortune for Bruce and could not have came at a better time as far as he was concerned. Edward II, although committed to the Scottish campaign, had troubles of his own and would never match his father in terms of staunch determination to make Scotland yield to an English overlord. Although Bruce still had a mammoth task before him, with Edward II otherwise engaged, he could concentrate his efforts on dealing with his Scottish rivals. Source C is accurate in most of the claims made, however fails to expand on many of the issues raised.